Sunday, February 18, 2018

Orthostatic Heart Rate Test to Measure Health State

Orthostatic Heart Rate Test. This article shown a complete procedure for conducting orthostatic heart rate test. The objective of this test is to monitor the athlete’s state of health. Athletes are often under a lot of pressure to perform well on a regular basis. This pressure can result in the athlete overtraining and/or becoming stressed.

Required resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• Stop watch

• Knowledge of how to take you pulse rate.

How to conduct the test

The test is conducted as follows:

• Lay down and rest for at least 15 minutes

• Record your pulse rate (beats/min) – R1

• Stand up

• 15 seconds later record you pulse rate (beats/minute) – R2

• Record the difference between R1 and R2.

Analysis

Analysis of the result is by comparing it with the results of previous tests. It is expected that, with appropriate recovery between training sessions, the analysis would indicate an improvement.

Performance assessment

If the difference (R2-R1) is greater than 15 to 20 beats then it is probable that the athlete has not recovered from the previous days training or is under stress. The athlete should consider adjusting the training programme to allow them to fully recover.

Target group

This test is suitable for all athletes.

Reliability

Reliability would depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test.

Validity

There are no published tables to relate results to potential performance in competition.